“I don't know that we ever get over it so much as we learn to hold them both at once.” What can a children’s book teach us about handling difficult emotions, practicing kindness, and navigating life’s hardest moments? A lot. In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, I talk with renowned meditation teacher and author Sharon Salzberg about her children’s book, "Kind Karl: A Little Crocodile with Big Feelings." The book introduces children to mindfulness, breathing, kindness, and a simple but powerful idea: when difficult or unkind thoughts arise, we can notice them without automatically believing them. Sharon and I talk about how these tools can help children—and why adults need them just as much. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, longtime meditation practitioner, or simply someone trying to navigate life with a little more kindness and steadiness, there is something here for you. To learn more about Sharon, please visit her website www.sharonsalzberg.com If you’re navigating a transition, wondering what’s next, or simply ready to create more joy, purpose, and connection in your life, I’d love to stay connected. Visit donnayferris.com to sign up for my newsletter and learn more about my books, coaching, and other resources. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to an earlier Sharon episode, Episode #11 or Episode #27, with Stephen Cope. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #SharonSalzberg #KindKarl #Mindfulness #Meditation #LovingKindness #Kindness #EmotionalRegulation #Equanimity #Resilience #MindfulParenting #BounceBackStronger Background music is "Some Kind of Wonderful" by NuAlkemi$t

After 100 episodes of Bounce Back Stronger, we look back at some of the most meaningful wisdom guests have shared about resilience, hope, healing, purpose, and finding joy. You'll hear powerful moments about moving through anxiety and fear, finding peace through meditation, setting healthy boundaries, embracing joy, building meaningful connections, sharing your gifts, and recognizing the extraordinary in everyday life. After 100 conversations, we've learned that bouncing back stronger isn't just about getting through the hard stuff. It's about using what we've been through to create a life that feels intentional, connected, purposeful, and joyful—a life we're not simply getting through or trying to escape, but actually enjoying along the way. Thank you to all our guests and listeners for being part of the journey. Here's to the next 100. If you enjoyed listening to the guests featured in this episode, their Bounce Back Stronger episode links are below: Rita Zoey Chin / Episode 53 “From Panic to Peace” Reggie Hubbard / Episode 67 “The Healing Power of Sound: Rising in Hard Times” Bob Butera / Episode 37 “3 Ways Yoga Therapy Can Improve Your Life Now” Coach Aruni / Episode 43 “Mindful Living: Finding Balance in a Chaotic World” Sharon Salzberg / Episode 60 “How to Cope in a Changing World” Cristina Leeson / Episode 84 “2026 Psychic Forecast: What’s Coming & How to Stay Centered” Agapi Stassinopoulos / Episode 79 “Finding Inner Peace and Joy” Gee Gee Rosell / Episode 87 “The Ripple Effect: How One Person Can Make a Difference” Vienna Teng / Episode 83 “A Lullaby for 2025: Music, Hope & Connection” Jennifer Schelter / Episode 46 “The Art of Being Enough” Judith Bigham / Episode 36 “Resilience in Full Color” Art Carey / Episode 34 “Fred Rogers and the Healing Power of Fatherhood” Please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. To inquire about meditation instruction or life coaching, visit donnayferris.com/coaching. Donna Ferris’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. Her guided meditations can also be found on Insight Timer. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or contact your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #BounceBackStronger #Resilience #Hope #FindingJoy #Purpose #PersonalGrowth #MentalWellness #Mindfulness #Inspiration

“The body knows the way home even when we've lost our way.” Why do so many of us spend our lives trying to please others, chase perfection, and live up to expectations—only to end up exhausted, disconnected, and wondering who we really are? In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, Donna Ferris sits down with coach, podcaster, and spiritual teacher Monica Rodgers to explore how people-pleasing, perfectionism, and self-doubt keep us stuck—and how we can begin reclaiming our authentic selves. While these patterns often show up in women because of societal conditioning, the insights from this conversation apply to anyone ready to live more authentically. Together they discuss: The "Four Ps" that often shape our lives Why your body often knows the truth before your mind does Why perfectionism keeps us disconnected The healing power of intuition and embodiment The role of anger, grief, and emotional regulation If you've ever felt like you've spent your life living for everyone else, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical tools to help you reconnect with who you truly are. To listen to Monica’s podcast The Revelation Project or learn about her coaching services, visit jointherevelation.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode 48, This One’s for the Women Who Do Too Much with Pete Sidley, and Episode 63, Unleashing the Power of She with Crystal Jackson. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. To inquire about meditation instruction or coaching, visit donnayferris.com/coaching. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. Her guided meditations can also be found on Insight Timer. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #PeoplePleasing #Perfectionism #Healing #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #resilience

“That doesn't mean we stop moving while we wait for clarity. It means we take the next intuitive step. Or, in a kayak... We dip the paddle. One stroke at a time.” What if resilience isn't about having a perfect plan—but simply taking the next step? In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger Reflections, Donna shares how learning to kayak after being laid off became an unexpected lesson in trust, hope, and embracing uncertainty. As she paddles across a quiet lake surrounded by great blue herons, bald eagles, and the sounds of nature, she discovers a powerful reminder: we rarely see the whole picture while we're living it. Like an eagle soaring high above, there may be a larger perspective we simply can't access yet. If you're navigating career transitions, grief, burnout, or an uncertain season of life, this gentle reflection offers encouragement to trust the process—even when the destination isn't yet visible. You'll discover:• Why uncertainty can be an invitation instead of an obstacle• The surprising connection between kayaking and resilience• How nature can help calm the nervous system• A simple reminder for anyone wondering what comes next Sometimes hope begins with just one paddle stroke. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #91 – “Letting Go of Control: How to Find Peace When Life Feels Uncertain.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To provide feedback on this podcast or suggest topics, please email [email protected]. Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on her website and on Insight Timer. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #Healing #BurnoutRecovery #SelfCare #GriefHealing #Meditation #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #PodcastRecommendation #BounceBackStronger

“People are not composed of a single one-dimensional story…Everybody's complicated.” What does it mean to truly belong? Award-winning multimedia artist Anila Quayyum Agha has spent her life exploring this question through breathtaking installations of light, shadow, and intricate patterns. Behind her internationally celebrated artwork is an extraordinary story of resilience. After immigrating to the United States, Anila faced loneliness, discrimination, financial hardship, and the challenge of building a new life while raising a child. Rather than allowing those experiences to diminish her, she transformed them into stunning art that invites us all to see one another with greater curiosity, compassion and humanity. In this episode, we discuss: Finding belonging in an unfamiliar world How creativity helps us heal during life's most difficult seasons Why curiosity may be our greatest act of compassion and connection How women can rewrite their story through courage and education If you've ever wondered where you truly belong, this episode is for you. To learn more about Anila’s art and showings, please visit anilaagha.com. If you found this episode helpful, you might want to listen to Episode 36, “Resilience in Full Color,” with Judith Bigham or Episode 18, “The Healing Power of Wonder,” with Micha Archer.  Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. If you are interested in Donna's guided meditations, visit donnayferris.com/meditations or insighttimer.com/donnayferris. To join our free weekly Centering Group, please email [email protected]. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens can be purchased here. Click here to subscribe to, or read our latest newsletter. Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here, or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline is 1-877-330-6366. #Resilience #Belonging #Creativity #PersonalGrowth #WomenEmpoweringWomen #Healing #Mindfulness #BounceBackStronger #AnilaQuayyumAgha

“This is a place where your body remembers how to be safe." If you're awake right now, you're not alone. This gentle sleep meditation is here for the middle-of-the-night moments when your mind feels busy, and your body won’t fully settle. Instead of trying to force sleep, we’ll create space for calm, safety, and ease. Through soft breathwork, full-body relaxation, and a peaceful meadow visualization, you’ll be gently guided back toward rest—without pressure or expectation. Whether sleep comes quickly or not at all, you are safe here. You are supported. You have permission to rest. Designed for nighttime anxiety, overthinking, and waking in the night. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Donna's other meditations here or on Insight Timer. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list or inquire about meditation instruction or life coaching, visit donnayferris.com Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #SleepMeditation #AnxietyRelief #InsomniaSupport #GuidedMeditation #SleepHelp #NervousSystemHealing #Mindfulness #BounceBackStronger Music: Endless Sleep by Lost Ghosts

“I grew up in a very small town in the 70s. So when I had my first girlfriend in high school, we didn't have a name for ourselves. We didn't even know the word lesbian. We found it in a dictionary…in our high school library. And we're like, ‘That's what we are.’" Your story could be exactly what someone else needs to hear. In this episode, in honor of Pride Month, Jennifer Lee Selig shares how memoir writing can help people process trauma, discover who they are, and transform difficult experiences into stories that bring meaning, healing, and connection. We discuss: Writing through adversity The role of community in healing LGBTQ+ visibility and representation Creativity as a resilience practice This conversation is full of wisdom for writers, caregivers, survivors, and anyone on a personal growth journey. To learn more about Jennifer’s books, courses, and events, visit jenniferleighselig.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to episodes with other authors, including Episode 53 with Rita Zoey Chin and Episode 29 with Mira Bartok. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list or inquire about meditation instruction or life coaching, visit donnayferris.com Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on Insight Timer. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #PrideMonth #RepresentationMatters #MemoirWriting #LGBTQCommunity #Healing #Storytelling #Trauma

“So often conversations and coaching goes straight to, ‘Here’s how you update your resume. Here’s what you do with your LinkedIn profile.’ And there’s nothing that says, ‘Listen, you need to pause. You’re gonna feel some grief. It’s gonna hurt, and here’s how you get through it.” In this episode of Bounce Back Stronger, author Steve Jaffe shares how losing a job impacts identity, mental health, relationships, and self-worth — and why the traditional “just update your resume” advice misses the point. Drawing from his book, The Layoff Journey, Steve explains how the seven stages of grief can help people process layoffs, regain confidence, and navigate career transitions with resilience, acceptance, and hope. In the episode, we discuss: Why layoffs are rarely personal 3 Things to Do in the Early Days Healthy coping tools (like a gratitude practice) that actually help If you’re navigating a layoff, career transition, or burnout, this conversation will help you feel less alone. To learn more about Steve and his book, visit thestevejaffe.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #55 “When Gratitude is Hard” with Eve Turek and Episode #44 “How Tami Adams Turned Job Loss Into Success.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list or inquire about meditation instruction or life coaching, visit donnayferris.com Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on Insight Timer. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #Layoff #CareerTransition #MentalHealth #JobLoss #Resilience #Podcast #BounceBackStronger #CareerAdvice #Healing #SteveJaffe #depression

“Maybe building a life we don’t need to escape from happens slowly — one mindful moment, one gentle choice at a time.” What would it look like to build a life you don’t constantly feel the need to escape from? In this new Bounce Back Stronger Reflections episode, host Donna Ferris shares a personal reflection on burnout, mindfulness, grief, anxiety, birdsong, and learning how to slow down long enough to notice what’s still beautiful. This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in survival mode lately. We talk about: Meditation and mindfulness Reframing anxious thoughts Healing after loss Finding hope in small daily moments And why birds may understand resilience better than we do If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to Episode #91 – “Letting Go of Control: How to Find Peace When Life Feels Uncertain.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To provide feedback on this podcast or suggest topics, please email [email protected]. Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on her website and on Insight Timer. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #MentalHealth #Mindfulness #Healing #BurnoutRecovery #SelfCare #GriefHealing #Meditation #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #PodcastRecommendation #BounceBackStronger

“I can’t spend the next 30 years of my life like this—that’s not a life.” In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this powerful episode features Betsy Thibaud Stephenson, author of Blackbird, sharing her deeply personal experience of navigating unimaginable loss after the death of her son to suicide, along with multiple losses that followed. Instead of avoiding grief, Betsy fearlessly faced it head-on—writing in real time and speaking openly about loss, mental health, healing, and what it means to rebuild your life after everything changes. This conversation offers honest insight into the emotional reality of grief and practical ways to cope, process loss, and move forward—one small step at a time. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to cope with grief and suicide loss Why letting go of “what if” supports healing The importance of allowing yourself to feel grief How small steps can help you rebuild after loss What to say to someone who is grieving If you’re grieving or supporting someone who is, this episode provides a way forward with compassion, clarity, and hope. To learn more about Betsy and her book, please visit blackbirdbetsy.com. If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to other mental health episodes, including Episode #52 – “3 Ways to Lift Yourself Out of Depression with Garry Cosnett” or Episode #50 “Why Talking About Mental Health Builds Stronger Kids with Sandra Lau.” Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you. Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list or inquire about meditation instruction or life coaching, visit donnayferris.com Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on her website and on Insight Timer. The one mentioned in this podcast," Imagine it Working Out: A Hope Meditation," can be found here. And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or contact your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366. #BounceBackStronger #GriefHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #Resilience #Memoir #HealingJourney #DonnaYFerris #BetsyThibautStephenson #BlackbirdBook #GriefSupport #YouAreNotAlone #GriefAwareness #MentalHealth #HopeAfterLoss #GriefSupport #Healing#GriefSupport #SuicideLoss #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters